What's on
In House Art
Until July 18
Venue: Swansea Museum
A collaboration between regional artists and museum staff, In House Art offers a stunning collection of art and photographs which will be available for purchase at the close of the exhibition.
Mission Photography Open 2010
Until July 10
Venue: Mission Gallery
Established and emerging artists’ contemporary photography will be featured at this exhibition.
Swansea Bay Rider Land Train
Until July 18
Venue: Various Venues
The 72-seat land train runs along the stunning Swansea promenade between Blackpill and Mumbles stopping at West Cross, Norton, Oystermouth and Southend Gardens. The Bay Rider leaves Blackpill on the hour and Mumbles on the half hour.
Gordon Stuart: Studies For Portraits
Until July 11
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
Prestigious portrait painter Gordon Stuart will have pieces from his collections on sale for
extremely low prices in this exhibition.
Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir
July 6
Venue: Brangwyn Hall
The Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate the event, the choir has set up a concert focusing on music from their township titled The Bont Comes To The City. Featured artists include soprano Adele O’Neill and violinist Osian Dafydd.
Llwchwr Art Group
Until July 31
Venue: Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the popular art group, the exhibition showcases the members’ work.
Terry Hetherington Evening
July 7
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
An evening dedicated to late poet and writer Terry Hetherington. The event will feature readings of his work and a budding writer will be presented with the Terry Hetherington Bursary award.
Richard Lloyd: The Shoeshine
July 9
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
Local writer and actor Richard Lloyd will perform his new two-act play The Shoeshine at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Mumbles Guided Walk
July 10
Venue: Blackpill Lido
Mumbles Green Action Team will lead a fantastic six-mile walk from Blackpill to Clyne Country Gardens, making stops at Oystermouth Castle and Washinghouse Brook along the way.
Godspell
July 10
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
The successful rock opera which was featured on Broadway in 1971 is coming to town. Presented by the Class Act Theatre, Godspell is a compelling interpretation of Jesus’ last days based on the Gospel according to St Matthew.
Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fair
July 10
Venue: Canolfan Centre in Gorseinon
Lots of local producers, arts and craft, schools work and children’s activities. Held second sat of every month.
Valeie Ganz: Studies of Gower Festival Musicians
Until August 8
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
Valerie Ganz was given the opportunity to study the musicians performing at the Gower Festival 2009, this exhibition focuses on her findings.
Sounds of the Glen Miller Era
July 13
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
An unmissable evening of music and song that promises to provide the audience with a taste of the 1940s.
13: A new musical
July 13 to July 17
Venue: Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre
The Class Act Theatre tells the tale of growing up in this fantastic musical production.
The ELO experience
July 14
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
The ELO experience is a tribute to Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra. The touring show which features a group of talented musicians perform ELO’s greatest hits.
Bugsy Malone
July 15 to July 17
Venue: Penyrheol Theatre
The Musicality Academy of Performing Arts get gangster in their tribute to1920s film Bugsy Malone.
The Bon Jovi Experience
July 15
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
Tribute act The Bon Jovi Experience will perform their take on the American rock band’s sound at the Grand.
Pennard Carnival
July 16 to July 18
Venue: Pennard Playing Fields
This fun-filled weekend provides entertainment for the whole family. The Pennard Carnival will feature music from Joe Schmo and the Morriston Phoenix Choir as well as stalls, refreshments and daily events.
National Archaeology Day
July 17
Venue: Swansea Museum
In celebration of National Archaeology Day, Swansea Museum will host re-enactment groups, history societies and will also offer punters a taste of Roman cooking.
Gower Festival
Until July 31
Venue: Various Venues
The annual event features two weeks of intimate music performances by soloists, trios and quartets in Gower’s beautiful churches.
Swansea Bowls Festival 2010
Until August 7
Venue: Victoria Park
Now in its 43rd year, the three-week Bowls Festival will feature international, national and local players.
9x9x9 Port Eynon to Rhossili Walk
July 18
Venue: Gower Peninsula
Witness the breathtaking views of the south Gower coast whilst walking 11.5km around the beautiful countryside.
Curry & A Quiz
July 21
Venue: Brinjal, Gorseinon
A fundraiser for the James Whale fund which raises money for Kidney Cancer.
Gower Rock Festival
July 23 to July 24
Venue: Gower Heritage Centre
Now in its third year the Gower Rock Festival promises a weekend packed with the finest alternative artists including El Goodo, Gecko, The Keys and Hurricane Joe.
The Gower Peninsula Triathlon
July 24
Venue: Gower Peninsula
The Gower Triathlon takes place in the picturesque village of Port Eynon. Competitors will have to swim in blue-flag waters, ride their bike through fast flat sections of climbs and descents, as well as run a two lap multi-terrain course.
Saturday Lunchtime Theatre: One State of Happiness
July 24
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
The Fluellen Theatre Company presents an afternoon of Dylan Thomas. The performance will look at the prestigious poet’s life through the words of his family and friends.
Cancer Research UK Race for Life
July 25
Venue: Museum Green
5000 women will unite to run, jog and walk the 5k Swansea Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Big Screen Movie: Mamma Mia
July 25
Venue: Castle Square
The superb musical Mamma Mia will hit Swansea’s BBC Big Screen this month. To celebrate the screening, punters are urged to dress in 70s outfits and singalong to the classic Abba tunes.
Dolly! The Show
July 26
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
A fantastic evening that will take the audience on a musical journey through the career of award-winning country singer Dolly Parton.
National Youth Brass Band of Wales
July 27
Venue: Brangwyn Hall
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will perform at the Brangwyn Hall under conductor Edward Gregson.
Ghost Hunt
July 28
Venue: Gower Heritage Centre
Search for spooky spirits this month at the haunted watermill in the Gower Heritage Centre.
Guided Garden Tour
July 28
Venue: Botanical Gardens, Singleton Park
Enjoy a free guided tour around the magnificent botanical gardens in Singleton Park.
Romeo and Juliet
July 31
Venue: Margam Festival
A magical performance will be held in Margam Park to mark the end of the festival.
RNLI Summer Sprint
July 29
Venue: Swansea Bay
Participate in either a 10km or 5km run around the spectacular Swansea Bay in aid of the RNLI lifeguards. Entries cost £12.50 for the 10km race and £10 for the 5km race.
Poets in the Bookshop: Joe Dunthorne
July 29
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
Prestigious local poet Joe Dunthorne will read his latest work to an audience at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Gower Show
August 1
Venue: Penrice Castle & Grounds
The annual agricultural show – held in the grounds of Penrice Castle – features the finest livestock, horses and a showjumping competition as well as numerous flower, food and craft tents.
Forces Sweethearts
August 2
Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
This two-hour show celebrates the songs that helped keep spirits high during the wartime forties including covers of Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Anne Shelton and Carmen Miranda.
The Life and Times of Dylan Thomas
Until August 21
Venue: Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre
Jeff Phillips’ illustrations take us on a journey through poet and writer Dylan Thomas’ life.
The IML Summer Sessions: One Big 80s Party
August 7
Venue: Singleton Park
The Summer Sessions are coming to Singleton Park, featuring some of the biggest names in 80s pop, Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Bananarama, ABC, Go West and Mica Paris will perform their hit songs to a massive audience.
Jool’s Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
August 8
Venue: Singleton Park
The legendary Jools Holland along with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will perform at Singleton Park.
Gwyl Pontardawe Festival
August 13 to August 22
Venue: Pontardawe Arts Centre
Get ready for a week of celebrations with the Pontardawe Festival, the event has entertainment for the whole family including live music, craft, dance, parades and circus acts.
Saturday Lunchtime Theatre: The Tongue of the Wave
August 14
Venue: Dylan Thomas Centre
The Fluellen Theatre Company provides a glimpse into the life and work of renowned local poet Vernon Watkins.
9x9x9 Rhossili Down
Come and enjoy a beautiful 8km walk up and across Rhossili Down. Walkers will have the chance to look at birds and plants that thrive in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Mumbles Raft Race
August 15
Venue: Mumbles
The Mumbles Raft Race is back for its 26th year and is set to be bigger and better than ever before. The annual event is being held in support of Money For Mumbles, which raises money for the local lifeboat crew.
Outdoor Theatre: The Tempest
August 18 to August 19
Venue: National Waterfront Museum
The audience can watch a classic performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest while sitting under a starry night sky.
Mumbles Guided Walk
August 21
Venue: Blackpill Lido
Mumbles Green Action Team will lead a fantastic 6-mile walk from Black Pill to Clyne Country Gardens making stops at Oystermouth Castle and Washinghouse Brook along the way.
Summer Craft Fair
August 21 to August 22
Venue: Swansea Museum
Local crafts-persons present their products at this fair including woodwork, stained glass, paintings, woolwork and jewellery.
Becoming Gaga
One Lady Gaga fan from Llanelli has taken things a step further, as Kate Rees discovered.
Llanelli singing teacher Cheryl Davies is taking her career one step further with her brand-new tribute act dedicated to pop-sensation Lady Gaga.
The 28-year-old – who idolises the sultry songstress – revealed her reasons for organising the act: “When you see Lady Gaga perform it is so theatrical it’s amazing. I love her extravagance. I’ve been a fan of her since she first started and wanted to replicate her show.”
Cheryl,along with two professional dancers, launched Madame Gaga and the Hussy Divas at a charity event on June 25. The talented trio have caused quite a stir both locally and nationally and have managed to secure a slot at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach.
So what can we expect from a Madame Gaga and the Hussy Divas performance? “You won’t see anything else like this tribute show. We have crazy costumes hand-made by a Llanelli designer, as well as fantastic choreography. The performance also includes appearances from the paparazzi and a security entourage,” Cheryl says.
“We’ve been perfecting our routine, I’ve been rehearsing at least 12 hours a week, so basically when I perform I am Lady Gaga,” she adds.
Madame Gaga and the Hussy Divas will perform at The Plough, Aberaman on July 3 and Blackpool Pleasure Beach from July 25.
Go West come west
Go West come to Singleton Park on August 7 for what should be a great 80s party. Richard Drummie speaks ahead of the gig – the band’s first in Swansea.
“We find the crowds comprise a lot of people who were there the first time around and they are usually pretty up for it. They are people who loved the music in the 1980s. It is a very different experience to doing our own show; people bring picnics and make an afternoon of it in the sun. It is just a lovely afternoon out.”
That is how Richard Drummie describes his experience of doing open air shows such as the one planned for Singleton Park this August. He adds that such events do attract younger fans as well, and that Go West tend to play a mixture of old classics and some
new material. He promises the band will come out with a bang.
He says he enjoys performing with the band more now. “I am very chilled about the whole thing these days,” he says. “You still get a few nerves before going on stage bit nothing like we used to.”
Peter Cox andRichard Drummie, the founders of Go West, met in 1974 and their long friendship and collaboration is still running. They released their new album Futurenow earlier this year and accompanied it with a By Request Tour, where audiences were invited to choose what songs they wanted them to play.
Both artists have pursued their own interests during their long careers but Richard says the passion to create work together still exists. “We are two guys who like to get involved in everything. We do not always agree, but we have kept it going and I think that is because we are so passionate about the songs we produce.”
Great wall in high heels
Two Swansea legal professionals plan to walk the Great Wall of China for charity – in their high heels. By Natasha Oldham
A barrister and solicitor from Swansea will be trekking more than30 miles along the Great Wall of China to raise money for Cerebral Palsy in September.
Lucy Leader and Sophie Pincott, both from Swansea, aim to raise £6,200 for Scope. The two, who prefer shopping to the outdoors, will complete part of each day’s trek in high heels to help raise funds.
The five-day hike across difficult terrains will be made from September 18 to 26. Many parts of the journey are only accessible by foot and will include steep inclines to thousands and thousands of steps – no easy task in high heels!
The idea to wear high heels to walk some of the trek came from Lucy who currently walks to work every day in heels. Lucy thought in order to raise money for the “under-represented charity” she would walk the difficult terrains in a different style to add a different twist on the trek in a pair of Christian Louboutins.
The money raised by Lucy and Sophie will enable Scope to continue supporting disabled people from birth to adulthood.
“With the nature of the work we do everyday we come across various families, and in particular children, who are affected by physical and mental disabilities,” said Lucy.
The trek will be a challenge but the two believe the sense of achievemen will outweigh the tough times.
Every six hours a child is born with cerebral palsy and is the most commonly diagnosed physical condition in the UK. It occurs when part of the brain fails to develop properly during birth.
“Without the continued financial support, these children may not get the opportunities they deserve to enable them to flourish,” said Sophie.
The pair have long dreamed of trekking across the Great Wall of China.
Sophie added: “I am not only achieving an ambition of mine, I am also facing a challenge with a great benefit to children and their families while also providing me with a greater insight of some the families I represent and their needs.”
A Black ‘Thai’ night is organised for July 10 at Bay View in order to raise money for the charity.
10 questions with… Sam Lloyd
Sam Lloyd, from Gower, was an ITV Wales sports presenter and fronted Soccer Night. She has since established her own sporting production company, Lloyd Bell Productions, and will present Ascot TV and Radio Wimbledon this summer.
What did you want to be when growing up?
An actress! I am a frustrated actress in the body of a broadcaster and presenter.
Where's your favourite holiday destination?
It would have to be Mauritius for its stunning beaches, people and hospitality.
What do you miss most about Wales when you're away?
The people and, coming from the Gower, I obviously miss the beaches and the coast. I miss the Oyster Gallery on Newton Road because I love shopping there and I miss Joe’s ice cream.
What TV show do you never miss?
I don’t get to watch much but, when I do, it’s pure self-indulgent trash. I love Heston’s Feasts.
Who would you most like to work with?
I love cooking, so a lifestyle food programme with Heston would be awesome.
What's your signature dish?
I do a great seafood paella and have to have it at least once a week.
What's the most expensive thing you've splashed out on?
I have a real passion for watches. Last year I bought a Breitling and it’s never off my wrist.
What's the most showbiz experience you've had recently?
Jeff Banks and I were trying to interview as many racegoers as possible within five minutes on Ascot TV. We reached about 40.
Where's your favourite place in Wales?
Three Cliffs Bay and Caswell Bay are full of childhood memories for me.
How often do you come back to Swansea?
As much as I can but regrettably not as much as I would like to with work commitments.
Sir Anthony praises return of YMCA drama
The YMCA where Sir Anthony Hopkins started his career is welcoming the return of drama to its stage as well as, not one, but two film festivals. By Natasha Oldham
The YMCA in Port Talbot, where Sir Anthony Hopkins cut his acting teeth, is reintroducing drama to its schedule – something that will please the Hollywood legend.
As a child, Hopkins went to the YMCA to play snooker after being ordered out of the house by his father. But he found himself captivated by the drama rehearsal that was taking place. When the director asked what he wanted, he replied: “A part.”
His first part was a saint in Cyril Jenkins’ Easter play and Hopkins has always paid tribute to the opportunity the YMCA offered him.
“My first line on stage was as a saint and my line was: ‘Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth,’” he has said. “The YMCA was the beginning of a wonderful journey for me and it’s one that I’m still on. I have always had strong bonds with the YMCA Port Talbot and will always be grateful for being pointed in the right direction and given the confidence to move forward on this path.”
Now its patron, when Hopkins visited the YMCA in 2008 he stressed he was keen that drama should return to the place that began his acting dreams. That has now happened with the reformation of the Port Talbot Players drama group thanks to Andy Brown, the manager of the Port Talbot YMCA, and its chairman Des Barnett. The group will put on its first play in July along with the Orchard Theatre Company from Ireland.
The first play there will be the UK premiere of Cream, a play written by Binda Singh, the founder of the Swansea Bay Film Festival. This adult comedy has already been showcased in Ireland and will continue to tour the UK after its stint in the Port Talbot YMCA on July 24 and 25.
“The YMCA are launching a new amateur dramatic society and I’m sure it will be just as successful as when I was a member,” said Sir Anthony in a video message. “Go for it! Join in, participate and support your YMCA.
“Now, it offers a broader range of programmes more than what was available when I started. Belonging somewhere is so important to all of us, in fact that’s the very principle that the YMCA was founded over 150 years’ ago.”
The YMCA has also added another string to its bow thanks to two film festivals that will run at the venue. The International Youth Film Festival and the Christian Youth Film Festival will run simultaneously from August 3 to 8. Both are organised by Binda Singh.
These events also have the backing of Sir Anthony. He will be recording a video message fto be played at the ceremony of the International Youth Film Festival’s gala dinner on August 8 at The Bluebell Hotel in Neath.
“I am thrilled that two major film festivals will be housed at a building so connected to a stage and screen legend such as Sir Anthony and his endorsement gives the events global credibility,” said Binda. “I am also delighted that we are able to restart the Port Talbot Players. That will bring drama back to the YMCA where he started his career and the UK premiere of Cream will herald a new era in stage performances at the venue.”
Andy Brown added: “Sir Anthony expressed to us his desire for acting and theatre to be reintroduced at the YMCA and we are thrilled the first play in this new era has be written by a South Wales-based writer and proceeds will go towards funding future activities at the YMCA.”
Feel the sound of the 1940s
The Nick Ross Orchestra is to bring the Big Band Sound of the 1940s to Swansea in a spectacular concert celebrating the Glenn Miller era on July 13 at Swansea Grand.
With a full line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section and top singers, The Nick Ross Orchestra will faithfully recreate the wonderful sounds of such Big Bands as those led by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.
The music will span almost all the emotions of those difficult times: comradeship, doubt, fear, loss and, most significantly, the hope in love. There have been times in history when composers and musicians seemed to be born to the occasion – none more so than the inimitable Glenn Miller who not only felt instinctively for the mood of the time but almost single-handed created the spirit with which the public faced it.
Swansea Life’s recommended reads
With summer around the corner now is perhaps the time to start thinking about holiday reading. Here are a few suggestions to take on holiday whether your destination is Montego Bay or Langland Bay. By Dai Blatchford
Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
Cult novelists often have the capacity to create their own worlds in which they cleverly entrap the unwary reader. Terry Pratchett does it with Discworld, PG Wodehouse did it with the Jeeves and Wooster stories and Jasper Fforde did it with the Thursday Next series.
Well he’s done it again with his new offering, Shades of Grey, where he replaces democracy with a colourtocracy. If you know his work then this will surprise you not one jot.
In Shades of Grey (unquestionably the first book in a new cult series) Fforde introduces the lucky reader to Eddie Russett whose only aim in life is to be a loyal member of the collective.
Eddie inhabits a Britain where colour perception is all important and dictates your place in the hierarchy. Eddie’s better than average red perception may lead him to make more of a mark in a Britain that is not as we know it Jim.
This is, of course, classic Jasper Fforde showcasing his comic invention in a masterclass that is sometimes satire, sometimes adventure, sometimes a love story and never less than entertainingly thought provoking.
Shadow Plays: An Anthology
This collection of verse and prose features the work of 12 writers based in West Wales. What is delightful about this anthology is that it features the work of published and unpublished writers side by side.
The works showcased are not necessarily easy reading. There is some challenging writing here and the title of the anthology should give a clue. We are in the half light, the shadow land that can only exist because somewhere there is light. But this is a world where things cannot be in plain sight and shadows can play tricks on perception.
But what better for that rainy day when the beach is out of the question and a comfy armchair beckons?
Shadow Plays is an intriguing selection of work to mark the 13th year of the MA in Creative Writing at Trinity University.
The introduction by Menna Elfyn expresses thanks for the sterling work of Parthian Books through the tireless energy of Dominic Williams helping consistently to produce books that while reflecting the Welsh heartlands have the scope to encompass the international literary scene. Long may it continue.
Advanced Banter: The QI Book of Quotations by John Lloyd and John Mitchinson
Now here’s a rare treat for trivia buffs. You know those clever people from QI, the programme that delights in telling you that everything you ever thought you knew is wrong, well telling Alan Davies anyway, they have produced a book of quotations that is more than quite interesting.
It is, in fact, absolutely fascinating and exactly what you would expect from Welshman John Lloyd.
Lloyd, famously the producer of classics such as Not the Nine o Clock News, Blackadder, Spitting Image and Radio 4’s News Quiz is a strong believer in the dictum that seriousness has no place in human affairs. As a consequence he founded the QI TV show Here is John Cage on art: “Art is anything you can get away with.” And Steinbeck on dogs: “I’ve seen the look in dogs’ eyes – a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.” There is Thoreau on Fashion: “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.”
And that’s a very small sample of the delights waiting for the lover of distilled wit.
Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths around Swansea by Bernard Lewis
Swansea-born Bernard Lewis is a leading local historian who has trawled the archives to throw some light on some very dark places in the history of the city.
Lewis begins at the beginning which is exactly what one would expect in a book set in and around Swansea. In the opening chapter, he gives an overview that runs from medieval times to the reign of Queen Victoria. They were tough times made tougher by rough and brutal men where life was cheap and there was a perpetual state of war between the native Welsh and Norman overlords. Much of this was centred on Swansea and Oystermouth castles both at one time in the hands of “a licentious clan of freebooters, the de Breoses.”
Moving through the years and chapter headings Lewis examines the career of the snake oil salesman Baron Spolasco and his so-called miraculous cures; the fighting Welsh and the killing of John Bowling; the fighting Irish and two dead Welshmen; and the Rebecca Rioters at Pontarddulais.
Although dealing with dark days and human misdeeds the stories are never less than fascinating.
Together we are stronger
A Swansea photographer is in the frame as the man behind the new Ospreys billboard campaign.
Adam Davies’s powerful image of Ospreys star and Wales international James Hook and aspiring young rugby player Iwan Beggs can be seen at locations across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.
The campaign, ahead of the 2010/11 season, calls on fans in the region to come together to make the club stronger.
“As the Ospreys official photographer, I was pleased to be able to provide a compelling image for the regional side,” said Adam. “Working with James Hook was easy as he’s such a professional both on and off the field. But we had to work quickly because of his busy schedule and commitments. I used a simple studio lighting set up to get the desired effect.”
The image is accompanied by the words ‘Together We Are Stronger’, which aims to remind fans their support is crucial to the success of the Ospreys.
Cooking for kids
The head chef of Pen-y-Cae Inn in Swansea is joining 15 of Wales’s finest chefs to cook together for one night for charity.
The first of its kind in Wales, Anthony Christopher will take part in Chefs’ Night Out where top Welsh chefs will cook for 150 guests at Cardiff’s Holland House on September 4. Each chef will create a four-course menu per table, but it’s only at the evening’s reception where guests will discover who’ll be cooking their dinner.
Having previously scooped Best British Pub for his gastropub, Anthony is donating his time and expertise in support of Tŷ Hafan, the family hospice for young lives in Wales.
Boards to bikes for breasts
Four extreme British sports champions will be swapping their boards for bicycles this September, cycling 300 miles to raise money for people affected by breast cancer.
Top British surfing champion, Gwen Spurlock of Swansea, will be joined by champion snowboarders Jenny Jones and Vicci Miller along with skateboarder Lois Pendlebury as they cycle from London to Paris in aid of the Lavender Trust.
Gwen, 19, is one of Britain’s top female surfers. Despite suffering a severe head injury in 2008 leading to four major operations, she has since fought back to become the British Junior Champion (under 18 girls), Welsh Junior Champion (under 18 girls) and UK Pro Surf Tour Women’s Champion. She started surfing at the age of 11
Rock out in Gower
The Gower Rock Festival returns for its third year on Friday July 23 and Saturday July 24 with another line-up of local and national bands. This year’s line up includes headliners El Goodo and 7 piece ska-reggae band Smoke like a Fish.
Cardiff-based El Goodo have just been featured on many radio sessions including the Radio 2 show Radcliffe and Maconie as well as BBC 6 music. Other bands performing include The Keys, Gecko, Dufraine, Hurricane Joe, Ringolevio, Hadron Collider, The Heretics, Mook, Nucleus, The Bleeding Noses, The Magpies, Chineapple Punks, Rugfire, The ripping Cones, Weird Naked Indian, Adam Avit and Galanastra.
The event is also putting on a second stage this year called The Three Cliffs Stage, which will be hosting acoustic acts on July 24. An open mic session will also be held on July 24 for budding musicians wishing to show off their talents.
Grads showcase in London
Fashion students following degree honours courses in Carmarthen have returned from one of the UK’s largest graduate events aimed at showcasing new talent.
Graduate Fashion Week is an annual event held at London’s Earl’s Court in which Coleg Sir Gâr’s West Wales School of the Arts annually exhibits. It attracts some of the top names in the industry scouting for new talent in all aspects of the fashion world, from fashion illustration to textile design.
This year, top designer Vivienne Westwood was spotted at the show,where around 50 universities exhibit graduate work. It culminates with a prestige gala show and awards presentation judged by a panel of sought-after and experienced names in the industry which this year consisted of the editor of Elle magazine and Italian designer Alberta Ferretti.
Margam Festival returns
One of South Wales’ major cultural events is returning to Neath Port Talbot for the month of July.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s popular Margam Festival, sponsored by Tata Steel and supported by Swansea Bay Radio, is being presented for the ninth year running.
The festival promises an exciting programme of music, theatre and arts to accommodate all tastes.
Once again, the festival will be spread throughout the month beginning with the Margam Market Day on Sunday, July 4, concluding with magical performances Romeo and Juliet on Saturday, July 31.
Five big artists...one big 80's party
Singleton Park, Swansea, will see five of the biggest names in pop music performing together on one stage in this beautiful outdoor setting on Saturday, August 7, in what will be the biggest 80s party in Swansea this summer.
With hit records spanning the past 30 years, Tony Hadley, fresh from the Spandau Ballet world tour, will be joined on stage by multi-million selling artists Bananarama, ABC, Mica Paris and Go West. The artists will be playing songs from their massive repertoire of hit records and for the first time on this concert series they will also perform specially chosen duets and collaborations.
“It will be a picnic-style concert and we encourage the audience to bring their own chairs, rugs, cushions and picnics,” said Chris Bailey, event manager from IML Concerts. “We have introduced special priced tickets for children under 16 at £15 with entry for the under 5s free. We hope that the reduced prices will encourage more families to join us.”
Singing back at home
Top Welsh baritone Thomas Oliver, who shot to fame with the award-winning choir Only Men Aloud, returned to his roots for a concert in Carmarthenshire. Thomas brought the boys back to his home town of Llandeilo when the group performed an open-air gig at Aberglasney Gardens in June.
Thomas, 24, and his fellow choristers, led by musical director Tim Rhys-Evans, hit the big time when they won the BBC TV show Last Choir Standing in October 2008.
They immediately signed a whopping seven-figure record deal with Universal and have since been on a star-studded whirlwind of world tours, two albums and countless public appearances.
For Thomas, the Aberglasney concert was his first chance for some time to come back down to earth and be reunited with friends and family.
“It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride since we won Last Choir Standing. We’ve been to all these fantastic places like New York but I haven’t actually been home in ages,” Thomas said.
Thomas joined Only Men Aloud after graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the summer of 2008.
They won the nation’s heart by taking the usual perception of a traditional male voice choir and turning it on its head.
Numbers such as Don’t Rain on My Parade and All By Myself, sung alongside more conventional hymns proved it’s cool to be a chorister.
Sunshine as Swansea Escapes
The tenth anniversary of Escape into the Park was a big hit in June with thousands of revellers at Singleton Park in Swansea to enjoy the music and the sunny weather.
The biggest dance festival in Wales showcased more than 50 DJs playing across five arenas, including Riverside legend Sidney Samson and Lisa Lashes, as well as local heroes Neil Navarra and Craig Bartlett.
However, headliner Steve Angello pulled out of the event hours before due to passport problems.
Clubber Abi King, from Treboeth, said this year’s line-up was the best so far: “I’ve been coming for five years and this is the best one yet for me. The atmosphere is amazing.”
Heather Kendall travelled with a group of eight people from Birmingham for the event, and said: “We’ve been coming down since it first began years ago, so it’s been good to see the event grow bigger and bigger.
“It’s always a good day out.”
Making his Escape into the Park debut, Dutch DJ Sidney Samson said he was impressed with what Swansea has to offer. “I drove past the beach on the way here and I can’t believe how nice it was. And the park is a great venue.”
Swansea-born DJ Neil Navarra is in his fifth year of playing the legendary event. “It’s the people’s festival, they’ll come rain or shine. It’s always a great crowd,” he said.
16,000 miles to dance
Anybody who saw the crowds making their way towards Singleton Park in June will know only too well how passionate South Wales’ dance music fans are about the annual pilgrimage that is Escape Into The Park.
But even the event organisers of the event were surprised to hear that a couple from Des Moines in Iowa, USA, had booked their tickets for the event on June 12 after being bowled over by the DJ line up for the 11-hour, 20,000 capacity event.
The couple flew to the top of the leader board for the distance travelled for the annual dance event after clocking up a combined distance of approximately 16,000 miles.
Jason Donner, 36, an IT Procurement Manager, and his wife Jaime, 29, were on the lookout for a British dance music event to attend. After discovering Escape Into The Park they were bowled over by the line up and wasted no time in booking their flights.
“We were so impressed with the line-up on offer and loved the fact that its in the middle of a park and runs all day,” said Jason.
“In the States concerts and gigs are quite formal, so the idea is quite alien to Jaime and it will be only her second visit to the UK. I’m a massive fan of Judge Jules and Steve Angello, so to see both of them in the same day was great.”
Swansea-born DJ and member of the team behind Escape Into The Park, Neil Navarra, said the journey that the couple were preparing to make was a real sign that the event is now recognised as a must-attend for the dance music community worldwide.
Escaping to a DJ masterclass
Twenty-five young people from across South Wales were treated to an exclusive DJ masterclass at the Pontarddulais Partnership, organised and hosted by Escape Into The Park, ahead of the popular dance music event.
The youngsters, aged between 11 and 16, were put through their paces in the two-hour session, led by Escape Into The Park star DJs Neil Navarra and Martin Dibble, with assistance from renowned Swansea DJ Wayne Hannigan. Dibble and Hannigan run regular DJ workshops across the Rhondda and Swansea areas respectively.
“It’s been a great experience coming up to Pontarddulais today to work with the boys on their DJ skills. Most of the guys here have been working with Wayne or Martin previously, so it was good to be able to get straight to work with the decks,” said Navarra.
“As someone who is Swansea born and bred I would love to see some more DJ talent coming out of the region, you never know, one of the guys here today could be a future superstar.”
